Did you know that you may die if you stay in a freezing place for a long time? Hypothermia and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Your body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce heat when exposed to cold temperatures. Prolonged exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature. A body temperature that is too low is particularly dangerous and may affect your ability to think clearly and move well.
Infants, older adults, people who have mental or physical problems, and people who are homeless are at a greater risk of developing hypothermia. Shivering is likely the first thing you'll notice as the temperature drops because it's your body's automatic defense against cold temperatures. Other symptoms may include slurred speech or mumbling, slow, shallow breathing, weak pulse, clumsiness or lack of coordination, drowsiness or very low energy, confusion or memory loss, loss of consciousness, and bright red and cold skin in infants. People who develop hypothermia are at risk of other cold-related injuries including the freezing of body tissues (frostbite) and decay and death of tissue resulting from an interruption in blood flow (gangrene).
Before going to a cold place, don't forget to wear a hat or any protective clothing to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face, and neck. You should also wear gloves to cover your hands. You should also avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. Sweat and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly. You should also wear loose-fitting, layered, and lightweight clothing and stay as dry as possible. Hypothermia is a medical emergency, so if you suspect someone has this condition, seek medical care immediately.
-DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Prevent Hypothermia & Frostbite
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html#:~:text=What%20is%20hypothermia%3F,leads%20to%20lower%20body%20temperature.
2. Hypothermia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682
